Design Manager

W3Global; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

W3Global is seeking a Design Manager to lead the design function for workspace systems, office furniture, and related products, based on-site in Richmond, VA. You will manage a team of designers, drive space planning, and develop technical design packages to meet client requirements and safety standards.

The ideal candidate has extensive commercial interior or systems furniture design experience, strong leadership, and the ability to collaborate with sales, operations, and manufacturing to

Qualifications

• Experience leading commercial interior design projects and workspace planning.
• Strong knowledge of furniture systems and product configuration.
• Experience supervising designers or design technicians.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of designers and design technicians.
• Develop space plans, layouts, renderings, and technical drawings.
• Review final design packages for accuracy and compliance.
• Collaborate with sales, operations, and manufacturing to deliver solutions.
• Ensure design work meets codes and safety standards.

Skills

Team leadership

Space planning

Design coordination

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Interior Design or Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

CET

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead the design function for workspace systems, office furniture, and related products. This is a full-time, on-site position based in Richmond, VA.

The Design Manager will oversee a team of designers and be responsible for developing space plans, layout concepts, product configurations, and technical design packages that meet client requirements, safety standards, and established design guidelines. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, commercial interior or furniture systems design experience, and the ability to collaborate effectively with sales, operations, and manufacturing teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and mentor a team of designers and design technicians.
• Assign projects, manage workloads, and ensure designs are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Develop and review space plans, furniture layouts, product configurations, renderings, and technical drawings.
• Review and approve final design packages, specifications, and documentation before delivery.
• Collaborate with sales, operations, manufacturing, and installation teams to develop practical and cost-effective design solutions.
• Translate client requirements into functional and visually appealing workspace designs.
• Maintain and improve design standards, product libraries, templates, and documentation.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable building codes, safety standards, and industry best practices.
• Monitor project timelines, priorities, and deliverables in a fast-paced environment.
• Identify opportunities to improve design processes, workflows, and team efficiency.
• Provide technical guidance and support to designers throughout the project lifecycle.
• Stay current with commercial interior design, workplace planning, systems furniture, and industry trends.
• Support the development of proposals and design solutions that align with customer needs and business objectives.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in commercial interior design, workspace planning, or systems furniture design.
• Previous experience supervising or managing designers or design technicians.
• Strong knowledge of space planning, furniture systems, and product configuration.
• Proficiency with design and drafting software such as CET, AutoCAD, Revit, or similar platforms.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with sales, operations, manufacturing, and other cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of applicable building codes, safety requirements, and best practices related to workplace and systems furniture design.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to review technical drawings, specifications, and design documentation.
• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Industrial Design, Architecture, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in office furniture, workspace planning, or a manufacturing environment is highly preferred.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on design leader who combines strong technical knowledge with excellent people-management and communication skills. They should be comfortable balancing creative design concepts with functionality, cost, manufacturability, and project deadlines.

Location

Richmond, VA

Job Type

Full-Time

Work Arrangement

On-Site